BalasaraswatiThis is called &quotTaus" in North India. In shape and construction it is the same as the sitar but has a peacock-like resonator and the instrument is played with a bow. The frets are movable. The body and stem are painted like that of a peacock. Underneath the frets there are a number of sympathetic strings. There is a parchment belly over which the bridge is placed. While the right hand handles the bow, the forefinger and the middle finger of the left hand are used to stop the strings on the frets. The instrument is held in an oblique position - the neck resting on the left shoulder and the legs of the peacock resting on the ground and played. On account of the peacock-like resonator, the instrument is also called "Mayuri."

(See also Chitravina) One of the concert instruments of South India belonging to the stringed group. It is also known as Mahanataka Vina. Gotuvadyam is the veena minus the frets and the waxy ledge. It is played by gliding a piece of cylindrical wood over the strings.The compass of the gotuvadyam extends over four octaves.